Phishing Scams
The Social Security Administration has recently released a warning regarding phishing emails that encourage Americans to create a “My Social Security” account. These emails look like they are from SSA but are fraudulently trying to steal people’s identity. SSA has released tips for determining if the email is part of a phishing scam or a genuine email from SSA. Most emails from SSA will come from a “.gov” email address. If the email does not end in “.gov” SSA warns that it could be a scam. SSA does say that they are using marketing firms to raise awareness of Social Security’s online services. However, any link in the email should always point to a “.gov” web address.
Some phishing emails are using logos, links, or pictures that look like the official Social Security logo. Any official logo or picture should direct the use to the SSA website. To verify a web address before clicking on the picture, users can hover over the picture until a text box appears with the web address. Links to the official SSA website will always begin with http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ or https://secure.ssa.gov/. Fraudulent websites usually appear as the following: “https://www.socialsecurity.gov.gmx.de/” or http://www.socialsecurity.gov.bx.co.rx/setup.”
SSA also warns all users that if they are not sure if the email really did come from SSA, they should not respond to the email or click on any links within the email. Users should also report the suspicious email to the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, at [email protected]. You should also look for poor choices in wording, phrasing, or spelling. Users should not respond to any email requesting personal information. SSA will NEVER ask you for personal information such as a Social Security number or bank account number in an email.
For more information on phishing scams and protecting your privacy while applying for Social Security disability, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court.
